De Croiseuil came forward eagerly, for he had passed a few hours of terrible suspense.
“Eh bien!” he remarked with well-simulated calmness.
Sir Keith placed a paper before him.
“This is a copy of a provisional agreement for the future government of the Congo Free State, which has been signed by the Powers interested.”
The Baron took the paper and his breath came in quick gasps.
“You can take the copy to peruse at your leisure. And—Baron—I am aware of the part you played in the prosecution of John Gaunt. I may say that you are no longer persona grata to His Britannic Majesty’s government, and I shall suggest that your king shall send some other special representative.”
Sir Keith smiled pleasantly until the Baron had left and then his face grew hard.
Then with great deliberation he lighted a cigarette and suddenly his face relaxed; his mouth twitched and he burst into a laugh. Now that the tension was over he was amazed at the precipitate way in which he had acted; and yet it was all very simple.
“And the insane jealousy of England and Germany has given the Belgians a free hand for so long, while it appears that both the countries were anxious to put an end to the rule of tyranny.”
Yes. He had done a capital day’s work, and after all it was John Gaunt who had given him his opportunity.